Galileo: October take off for EU satellites
Gepubliceerd op: 23/05/2011

The launch of the first two operational satellites of the EU's global navigation satellite system will take place on 20th October, the European Commission announced today. This is just the first of a series of launches due to take off from Europe's Space Port in Kourou, French Guiana.

The launch of the Galileo satellites at an altitude of 23.600km will lead to the provision of initial satellite navigation services in 2014. Successive launches will complete the constellation by 2019.

Antonio Tajani, European Commission Vice-President in charge of Industry and Entrepreneurship, said: “This launch is of historical importance. Europe is demonstrating that it has the capability to be at the forefront of technological innovation. Thousands of SMEs and innovators across Europe will be able to spot business opportunities and to create and develop their products based on the future Galileo infrastructure. Citizen will benefits from its services. Galileo is value for money and I count on Members States’ cooperation to find a solution for its financing."